Bethpage Black is located in Farmingdale, New York, having opened in 1936.
However, it’s only since the turn of the century that the municipal course has really shot to prominence, with the most high-profile tournaments it has hosted since then including two editions of the US Open and a PGA Championship.
In 2025, it adds the Ryder Cup to that impressive list, as Keegan Bradley’s Team USA attempts to wrestle the trophy back from Luke Donald’s Team Europe after its 16.5-11.5 defeat two years ago at Marco Simone in Italy.
Given the caliber of events that it has hosted, it is hardly surprising that it provides a stern test for anyone who plays it – a fact is made abundantly clear to players before they even reach the first tee with a particularly ominous sign.
Here are some facts you may not be familiar with about the course.
More Than A Golf Course
As well as the Black Course, there are four other courses at Bethpage State Park, including nature trails
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Bethpage Black is one of five courses at Bethpage State Park, with the other four being the Yellow, Green, Blue, Red courses.
The Green Course came first, with the Blue, Red and Black courses opening by 1936 and the Yellow Course not opening until 22 years later.
The Yellow Course is regarded as the easiest, followed by Green, Blue and Red, with Bethpage Black the most difficult.
It’s not just golf that the 1,477-acre park is known for, either. There are also tennis courts, a polo field, cross-country skiing trails and hiking and biking trails, along with picnic and recreational areas.
Iconic Warning Sign
An ominous sign greets players as they approach the first tee
(Image credit: Getty Images)
While Bethpage Black is considered the most difficult of the five, can it really be that intimidating?
Any player preparing for a round who doubts the challenge that lies ahead only needs to look at the famous warning sign that greets them before they reach the first tee.
Affixed to an iron railing since the 1980s, the sign reads: “Warning – The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers”
The sign gained notoriety during the TV coverage of the 2002 US Open, and it proved accurate as winner Tiger Woods was the only player to finish under…
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